Toggle Switch question

[Outlaws]

I got a toggle switch from Radio Shack that has a faceplate washer that says on/off.  I like it, so I am using it.  Normally this would matter, but since it has  a cut in it so it can only be on one way, I need to know which connectors will be on and off at what time.

Here we go.

:side view:


1 2 3


(with 4 5 6 being hidden for now)

so if the toggle ( we'll use  \  +  /  to represent the  switch and its corresponding possition) is in / position, is 3+6 connected, or is it reversed?

[petemoore]

I got a toggle switch from Radio Shack that has a faceplate washer that says on/off.  I like it, so I am using it.
-----What's the actual problem?
-----what type is it SPST, SPDT, DPDT, 3PDT?
 What will it be used for?
    Normally this would matter, but since it has  a cut in it so it can only be on one way, I need to know which connectors will be on and off at what time.

Here we go.

:side view:


1 2 3


(with 4 5 6 being hidden for now)

so if the toggle ( we'll use  \  +  /  to represent the  switch and its corresponding possition) is in / position, is 3+6 connected, or is it reversed?

GEO has bypass info, other switching explanations and diagrams...

[Outlaws]

There is no real problem other than the faceplate has a notch that only allows it to be screwed on in one direction.

Its a DPDT switch.  It works (I asusme lol, its new) fine.  But since the faceplate says ON/OFF, I can't just hook up the wiring for bypass and then if its "upsidedown", simply unscrew and rotate.  The ON/OFF will be upsidedown.

See my dilema?


here is a picture...

pins 3+6 are under the ON side and 1+4 are under the off.  I assume that is how it will be connected, but I don't know if that is backwards or not.  I just don't want to hook it up wrong right off the bat.  lol

[Sic]

do you have a multi-meter?

[Outlaws]

do you have a multi-meter?

No.

[guitarmonky55]

heres a thought...wire it up and if its backwards then switch the wires...

[RickL]

Typically dpdt toggle switches are set up so when the toggle is moved to one side the lugs on the opposite side are connected to the centre lugs. So on your switch when the switch is in the 'on' position the lugs under the 'off' tag will be connected to the centre lugs.

[Outlaws]

Well, I went with under the corresponding ON/OFF and it works.

[GreenEye]

Where can one find the best information on how switches work in circuits on the web?  I've done some searches, and read a lot on this site, but I figured there has to be a definitive source out there.

I'm talking diagrams, different scenarios, different switches to do the same function, etc.  I'm just not getting the jist from poking around.  I know what I want to do, but when I start thinking about using a SPDT or DPDT toggle and if those should be "center off" ones or not, I get very confused.

I swear I've seen SPDT toggles used in some of GGG's circuits where some people on this thread would say to use DPDTs.  Like on the red fuzz mods.

I can find several toggle discussions with switching between 2 diodes at the end of a circuit, but no discussions or schems on a simple switch to simply activate/deactivate say, one set of diodes.  I guess that would just be the simplest SPST on/off type.  

What I'm picturing is a website with almost every type of toggle:  choice of two input caps, then three, then adding two or more.  Switching a diode clip on, then switching on or another diode set on, then being able to turn both off.  You get the idea.  We're talking wiring diagrams galore...

[Paul Marossy]

Typically dpdt toggle switches are set up so when the toggle is moved to one side the lugs on the opposite side are connected to the centre lugs

Bingo!

[GreenEye]

Here's a SPDT in use:
http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/diagrams/redfzzmd.gif

I'm assuming it doesn't have the "middle off" option.  If it did, would the center off position bypass both of the diodes?  Or is that where a DPDT would come into play?

Likewise, on this one, Joe used a DPDT for two input caps.  
http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/diagrams/ezface_sw_cap.jpg
I once again assume it doesn't have the "middle off" option.  If it did, I guess neither cap would be in the loop.   Why not just put the two caps in separate circuit loops like the diodes in the first example, and turn them via a SPDT?  Seems like a similar scenario to me.

[smashinator]

do you have a multi-meter?

No.

Dude, buy one.  You will NOT regret it.  Since you're here in Phoenix, I recommend checking out Circuit Specialists (www.circuitspecialists.com).  They have decent meters for cheap.

[Paul Marossy]

That brings up a good point. There are two kinds of toggle switches: on/on and on/off/on, and you can also have a DPDT switch that is a momentary switch as well.

[Outlaws]

do you have a multi-meter?

No.

Dude, buy one.  You will NOT regret it.  Since you're here in Phoenix, I recommend checking out Circuit Specialists (www.circuitspecialists.com).  They have decent meters for cheap.

Thanks.  I have been there a couple times to get parts.  The are a bit of a drive.  I found out Antique Electronic Supply is here also.  Their website looks very promising.  Most of their stuff is for musicians.

Either way, its nice to have two good stores (plus Fry's  :? ) within a short drive of one another.

[smashinator]

Thanks.  I have been there a couple times to get parts.  The are a bit of a drive.  I found out Antique Electronic Supply is here also.  Their website looks very promising.  Most of their stuff is for musicians.

Either way, its nice to have two good stores (plus Fry's  :? ) within a short drive of one another.

AES is cool.  They're super nice guys.  Their office is kind of tricky to find, but the parking lot is a lot less scary than Circuit Specialists.  

[GreenEye]

I may have figured my situation out (for putting diodes at the end of the Sparkle Boost).  If I were to put a lead coming off of the main output line after the output cap, I could get away with a SPST for one diode set or a SPDT for two diode sets.  However, if I were to not use a lead, I'd have to use a DPDT to enable the output to continue on to the volume pot.

[Outlaws]

Thanks.  I have been there a couple times to get parts.  The are a bit of a drive.  I found out Antique Electronic Supply is here also.  Their website looks very promising.  Most of their stuff is for musicians.

Either way, its nice to have two good stores (plus Fry's  :? ) within a short drive of one another.

AES is cool.  They're super nice guys.  Their office is kind of tricky to find, but the parking lot is a lot less scary than Circuit Specialists.  

LMFAO

I am going to go to AES this weekend I think.  I looked at MapQuest, and it seems to me they are just north of Guadalope on Maple, then somewhere on the left side?  Correct?  Or do I have to go around to the other side of the buildings that are facing on the street?

Oh, and don't tell me I have to drive through all those stupid Kiwanis speed bumbs...   :lol:

[GreenEye]

Go north on Maple (it has a light) from Guadalupe.  The building is on the right hand side.  If I recall, it's like the first right you can take into a commercial complex, and it's right off the street.  Like 3 parking spaces.  Only a small pickup window, not much to look at (except the blonde receptionist), but you can at least bypass shipping charges.

[sir_modulus]

well to quickly answer you question...here ya go:

Normal toggles work a little something like this.
 \
1 2 3

That means 2 and 3 are shorted.

   /
1 2 3

That means that 1 and 2 are shorted.

A normal SPDT on-on switch is what I have shown. With an On-Off-On one, you can put it like this

  |
1 2 3

Like this, 2 is connected to...nothing.

I'll explain some more tommorow..getting close to 11 P.M here

Cheers,

Nish